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Changes in California Workplace Sexual Harassment Law

Our blog two weeks ago discussed how you can spot workplace sexual harassment. However, you should also be aware that California enacted several new laws that can protect workers who are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace. The following bills were recently signed by Governor Jerry Brown:

SB 1343: Workplace Sexual Harassment Training Gets a Boost

This bill expanded workplace sexual harassment education requirements. Under this new law, employers with five or more employees must provide two hours of sexual harassment training to supervisors. In addition, one hour of training must be provided for regular employees. These programs must be provided by January 1, 2020. Training must be provided every two years after the first training sessions are completed.

California law used to require training for employers with 50 or more employees. The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing is responsible for helping disseminate educational materials to employers.

SB 1300: It’s Now Easier to File Sexual Harassment Claims

Jerry Brown also signed SB 1300 into law in 2018. The law, which takes effect at the start of next year, made several important changes to existing laws. Most importantly, you can now bring a sexual harassment claim against your employer for a single incident. Prior legal standards required you to show the harassment was “severe and pervasive” enough to violate California law.

Under this new law, employers can no longer require you to sign a non-disparagement agreement that would prevent you from disclosing illegal activities.

SB 820: Say Goodbye to Secretive Sexual Harassment Settlements

The #MeToo movement had an undeniably powerful effect on California lawmakers. SB 820 is proof of this claim. Under this new law, only workplace sexual harassment claimants can request confidentiality after recovering a settlement. The “Stand Together Against Non-Disclosures Act” bars defendants in harassment claims from requiring non-disclosure agreements as terms for settlements.

Questions About Workplace Sexual Harassment? Contact Our Los Angeles Employment Law Attorneys

Kesluk, Silverstein, Jacob & Morrison, P.C. is a Los Angeles employment law firm. If you are experiencing a hostile workplace environment, you should consider exploring potential legal remedies to resolve the situation. Contact our Los Angeles employment law attorneys today for a consultation.

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